May 4, 2007

Seminars, Events and Promotions Extend Opportunities at August 2007 NYIGF

White Plains, NY – A full slate of educational programming, after-hours networking events and exciting promotions will be offered to New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) participants, Saturday, August 11, through Thursday, August 16, 2007, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 88 and 94 and Metropolitan Pavilion.

“We have developed a wide range of programming, with offerings that are both industry-specific and of general retail appeal for the Fair this August,”, said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF Director and GLM senior vice president, “And, our after-hours events will allow exhibitors and attendees to enjoy some of the Big Apple’s best evening offerings – from a New York Mets game to A Night on Broadway.”

Relevant cross-category retail strategies will be addressed in a three-part “Retail Success” series – touching on sales, service and staffing – led by Daniel Abramsom of Staff Dynamics; “Extreme Makeover: Retail Edition,” presented by Mary Liz Curtin and sponsored by the Gift & Home Trade Association (GHTA); and “Life After Marriage: Keep Brides Buying Beyond Registry” presented by Carley Roney, editor of The Nest.

Home fashion-focused seminars also will be presented daily, in connection with New York Home Textiles Market Week. These include: “TrendWatch Live! NYC” presented by The Trend Curve’s Michelle Lamb and sponsored by Accessory Merchandising; “Psychology of Color” sponsored by IFDA (International Furnishings & Design Association); “One-on-One with HFN,” offering insights into the business climate from a leading authority on home textiles and furnishings trends; and “Survey Says … Home Accents!” revealing exclusive research findings from Home Accents Today’s consumer buying survey.

In addition, “SustainAbility: Design for a Better World,” a curated exhibit and educational seminar showcasing environmentally and socially responsible products and producers will debut at the August 2007 NYIGF. The seminar, which will explore the design, production, marketing and sales cycle of commercially viable sustainable design will be moderated by Susan S. Szenasy, editor of Metropolis Magazine; and the exhibit will be designed by Ilene Shaw of Shaw and Co! Productions.

And, to help orient newcomers to the Fair, GLM has partnered with Giftware News magazine to offer a “Pre-Show New Buyer Orientation webinar.” This on-line session, to be presented on July 17, in advance of the NYIGF, will offer new retailers ideas to help them shop the Fair most efficiently and effectively.

After-hours networking events during NYIGF will include the Gift Fair’s popular “A Night on Broadway” featuring Curtains, and the Accent On Design Awards. GLM also is a sponsor of the Gifts & Decorative Accessories Retailer Excellence Awards, to be held Sunday August 12, recognizing excellence in eight categories, as well as two categories for industry-wide excellence.

Onsite networking activities include a Handmade Buyer Breakfast sponsored by The Crafts Report; a Museum Buyer Networking Breakfast sponsored by ArtObjects; and a Just Kidstuff Afternoon snack hosted by GLM. Buyers also will be treated to complimentary beverages and culinary treats each morning at the Metropolitan Pavilion.

On Saturday, August 11, GLM also will offer two special promotions for buyers at Pier 88: $5 Parking Rebates and a chance to win two tickets to the Saturday evening New York Mets vs. Florida Marlins baseball game, including one-way transportation and $20 in Mets Money.

A complete listing of programs, events and promotions, and registration, is available online at nyigf.com. For questions, contact GLM’s Customer Service Department at 1-800-272-SHOW (7469), or (603) 665-7524, or visit nyigf.com.

The New York International Gift Fair is produced and managed by George Little Management, LLC. Featuring 2,700 exhibitors in nearly 600,000 net square feet of exhibit space, the Gift Fair includes Accent on Design, At Home, Floral & Garden Accessories featuring Outdoor Living, General Gift featuring Just Kidstuff and Museum Source, Handmade, New & Distinctive Resources, New York’s Newest, Personal Accessories featuring Details and Tabletop & Housewares.